Dear Friend,

Imagine being a child in a foreign country, alone and afraid, being loaded onto a bus in the dark, late hours of the night  to be unexpectedly and  unlawfully sent back to your home country. This scenario unfolded over the weekend, but thankfully, a judge temporarily blocked the Trump Administration’s attempt to return more than 600 unaccompanied Guatemalan children in federal custody to Guatemala before their immigration cases were completed—or even began. 

We achieved a collective and critical victory this weekend. Shortly after midnight on August 31, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) filed an emergency motion for a Temporary Restraining Order in the federal District Court in Washington, D.C., to prevent these unlawful returns. In the filing, the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is serving as “Next Friend”, appearing in court as a representative for the child plaintiffs. Just hours later, a federal judge issued an order to stop the government’s unlawful actions. This success was not accidental; it was the result of dedicated advocates, litigators, and other compassionate individuals who believe that no child should face the system alone. 

However, our work is far from finished. For 48 hours over the weekend, before and after the lawsuit was filed, our Child Advocates raced to facilities to accompany and advocate for children.  Right now, more children need our protection. More families require our advocacy. More young lives hang in the balance, waiting for someone to stand up for them. We need your help today. 

Your donation will:

• Provide legal advocacy for children whose voices need to be heard in the system.
• Fund emergency interventions to keep vulnerable children safe. 
• Support programs that ensure every child has an adult advocate. 
• Help us expand our efforts to protect even more children. 

Will you stand with us today? 

Every dollar you contribute goes directly toward protecting children who desperately need an advocate. Your gift, whether $25, $50, $100, or more, makes a real difference in their lives.

Time is critical. Children are counting on us, and we are counting on you.  

Together, we can ensure that no child faces these challenges alone. Together, we can build a system where every child is protected, heard, and valued. Thank you for your compassion and your action. 

With gratitude and urgency, 

Gladis Molina Alt

Young Center Executive Director

Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights
P.O. Box 2417
Chicago, IL 60690

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